The Courant Top 25

The story: Tailback U. has nine in the house ready to go and a quarterback (John David Booty) who is arguably the best in the country. The Trojans are thinking national championship right about now.

2 | LSU

Last year: 11-2

The story: Most people already have the Trojans and Tigers playing for the national title in New Orleans. In order for LSU to hold up its end, the Tigers can't lose the pivotal games that have cost them shots at the title recently.

3 | Michigan

Last year: 11-2

The story: The Wolverines looked good in the regular season finale against Ohio State, losing 42-39. Michigan could win this year in Ann Arbor. It has some great offensive weapons returning, including running back Mike Hart.

4 | West Virginia

Last year: 11-2

The story: Don't think for a second the Mountaineers were happy with a second-place finish in the Big East -- a tie for second with Rutgers, actually -- and not getting the conference's BCS bid. They're thinking bigger now in Morgantown.

5 | Texas

Last year: 10-3

The story: Colt McCoy is officially out of Vince Young's shadow. Now what's he going to do? He certainly has the tools.

6 | Florida

Last year: 13-1, National champions

The story: Too many new starters to put the Gators in the race for the national title. The talent is there, but is it enough to overcome all that youth (including freshman TE Aaron Hernandez of Bristol)?

7 | Louisville

Last year: 12-1

The story: Entertaining team to watch. Will be interesting to see how new coach Steve Kragthorpe showcases Heisman hopeful Brian Brohm.

8 | Virginia Tech

Last year: 10-3

The story: Want to see the two best linebackers in the country? Check out Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi.

9 | Wisconsin

Last year:12-1

The story: Think Wisconsin -- think cheese and great offensive linemen. The Badgers have four of the best in the country coming back and a running back in P.J. Hill who ran for more than 1,500 yards as a freshman.

10 | Florida State

Last year: 7-6

The story: You have to put them here based on tradition. It's Florida State. One early loss and they'll drop like the Dow Jones index.

11 | Oklahoma

Last year: 11-3

The story: No more Adrian Peterson, but running back Allen Patrick is back. The guy did damage last year.

12 | Ohio State

Last year: 12-1

The story: Their national championship bid has ended. so look for the Buckeyes to fall to Michigan and maybe Wisconsin, too.

13 | Georgia

Last year: 9-4

The story: The Bulldogs really should be better than last season. Problem is, they're in the SEC, so you might not be able tell how much at first.

14 | Auburn

Last year: 11-2

The story: See Georgia. Big, bad running back Ben Tate is going to have to do his work behind a young offensive line.

15 | Penn State

Last year: 9-4

The story: Like FSU, you gotta put the Nittany Lions in here somewhere just because it's Penn State. But the offense better get better.

16 | Rutgers

Last year: 11-2

The story: The Knights could win 11 again, maybe more. Quarterback Mike Teel needs a big season and the secondary has to tighten up.

17 | Arkansas

Last year: 10-4

The story: The Razorbacks are going as far as running back and Heisman candidate Darren McFadden will take them.

18 | California

Last year: 10-3

The story: Defense is going to need work, but prolific quarterback Nate Longshore and crew could steady things until the D comes along.

19 | Tennessee

Last year: 9-4

The story: The Vols -- who open Saturday at Cal -- need a consistent running game to help injury-prone quarterback Erik Ainge.

20 | Boston College

Last year: 10-3

The story: Florida State is expected to win the ACC. The Eagles will be waiting in the wings in case the Seminoles fall short.

21 | Boise State

Last year: 13-0

The story: The Broncos were the only undefeated team in the final top 25 . They probably won't do it again and this ranking may be too high, but they do have Ian Johnson, reason enough to have them here.

22 | TCU

Last year: 11-2

The story: It might be too early to put the Horned Frogs here, but any team with a defense as nasty as theirs deserves to be in the Top 25 somewhere.

23 | Georgia Tech

Last year: 9-5

The story: He's no Calvin Johnson, but Tashard Choice, the ACC's leading rusher, is back. And the Yellow Jackets have gone 10 straight seasons without a losing record.

24 | Hawaii

Last year: 11-3

The story: QB Colt Brennan and crew can air it out with the best of them, but how good is the defense going to be?

25 | Nebraska

Last year: 9-5

The story: The Cornhuskers are going to roll in the Big 12 North and that will be enough to maintain a spot in the Top 25.